Great Dunmow hotel owners call time on 'Inflexible' staff

PUBLISHED: 09:30 06 August 2009 | UPDATED: 07:20 30 May 2010

STAFF at the Saracen s Head Hotel have been made redundant after being told that they were not flexible enough . In total, five members of the Dunmow High Street hotel s workforce – including managers Paul and Sachj Newson – have been shown the door, two

STAFF at the Saracen's Head Hotel have been made redundant after being told that they were "not flexible enough".

In total, five members of the Dunmow High Street hotel's workforce - including managers Paul and Sachj Newson - have been shown the door, two of which are parents with young children.

Owners Merchant Inns say the cutbacks are a result of the hotel section closing down for refurbishment - but the ex-workers disagree.

One of them, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "If it is because of the rooms closing down then why have I been sacked? I worked in the restaurant and the bar as did others who have lost their jobs.

"Surely they should have been getting rid of housekeeping staff but they haven't, all of them still have their jobs. I was told that I was not flexible enough.

"I have a young child which makes it difficult. Now I will have to go out and find another job. It makes me really angry because it feels like we have been targeted because we have kids."

Merchant Inns denied that the jobs were lost for reasons other than economic ones and stated that it was due to the hotel closing its 31 rooms at the end of July.

A spokesman said: "The decision has been taken following the closure of the bedroom section which, in their current decorative state, is not reflective of the high standard that we pride ourselves on.

"Until the full refurbishment of the property goes ahead, the Saracens Head will now be running a purely food and beverage operation.

"This has an immediate impact on business in the restaurant because to date it has been used a great deal by hotel guests.

"The refurbishment project of the entire property will still be going ahead, but we are in the process of assessing the best time to progress with this in view of the current economic climate.

"In the meantime, Merchant Inns is still dedicated to the success of the Saracens Head and is looking to improve on the already successful food and beverage offering even further. This could lead to the creation of more kitchen jobs in the future."

Managerial couple, Mr and Mrs Newson, have also been made redundant despite transforming the building into a community hub over the last 12 months - hosting quiz nights, chamber of commerce meetings and charity socials.

Mr Newson said: "It is sad, because we really liked this place and the town in general. We will hopefully be moving on to bigger and better things though, and wish the hotel all the very best in the future."

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